Benthic algae as bioindicators in assessing ecological status of Čemernica and Dičina rivers

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the ecological status/potential of the Čemernica and Dičina rivers (Zapadna Morava basin) based on epilithic diatoms and supporting physico-chemical parameters, as well as to explore indicative properties of the detected macroalgae. The sampling and analysis of benthic algae and measurement of physico-chemical parameters were carried out in August 2023. The ecological status/potential of the Čemernica River was poor to bad at all investigated sites (ČR1, ČR2, ČR3) based on diatom indices and physico-chemical parameters. Low diatom indices values and the presence of the macroalgae Stigeoclonium tenue indicated organic pollution. In the Dičina River, good ecological status was assessed at all sites (DR1-DR4) based on the diatom indices, while poor ecological status has been assessed at almost all sites (DR1, DR2, DR3) based on the physico-chemical parameters, except at DR4, where the ecological status was good. The high coverage of Cladophora glomerata in both rivers indicated nutrient loading, which aligned with the results of the physico-chemical parameters.